Selecting the right façade and fenestration materials is crucial for enhancing building performance. Efficient façades act as barriers against external elements, reducing energy consumption by improving insulation and minimising heat gain or loss. Materials like Glass, uPVC, Aluminium, Wood, Zinc, and Copper each offer unique benefits. Glass, popular for enhancing natural light and views, also supports various energy-efficient technologies. In addition to aesthetics, façades improve occupant comfort and usability.
Long-standing materials such as Glass, uPVC, Aluminium, and Wood have shaped innovative façade designs. Technological advancements like BIM and 3D printing enable complex geometric cladding systems, while Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) enhances energy efficiency. Automated cladding systems, utilising robotic arms, and smart fenestrations that adjust based on environmental conditions are gaining traction. Tools like Green Building Studio, Autodesk, IESVE, and Cove.tool help calculate energy efficiency, driving sustainable, high-performance buildings.
Emerging technologies like nanotechnology and smart glass further enhance façade durability and performance, supporting precision and sustainability in construction. WFM Media spoke to over 20 architects and façade experts to understand their views on the Selection of façade and fenestration materials, appropriate use of glass and application of the same, tools and software used for calculating energy efficiency, and future of automation technology in crafting efficient facades. Here is the summary of their interviews.
Facade materials – Trends & preferences
Each material, be it Glass, uPVC, Aluminium, Wood, Zinc, or Copper, brings unique properties to the table. Glass remains a popular choice due to its ability to enhance natural lighting and provide expansive views while also being adaptable to various energy-efficient technologies. The combination of the strength of aluminium, its ability to be lightweight, and its resistance to corrosion makes it a versatile choice for modern façades, says Ar. Vivek Bhole, Chairman & Managing Director, Vivek Bhole Architects. “At Vivek Bhole Architects, we recognise the critical role that façade and fenestration materials play in the overall performance aesthetic of a building. In our practice, Aluminium and Glass are frequently used due to their balance of performance and aesthetic appeal, yet we tailor the material selection to each specific requirement of the project, ensuring optimal functionality and design coherence, he adds.
In addition to serving an aesthetic purpose, a building’s façade also improves the general comfort and usability of its occupants. According to Ar. Aditya Dua, Architect, AKDA, the choice of material largely depends on the specific requirements of the project, including budget, aesthetic preferences, and performance needs. He notes that glass has become a fundamental material across various building typologies since it allows natural light and enables a visual connection between the interior and exterior.
According to Dua, uPVC generally falls into the budget for almost all buildings but fails to provide a premium look. He too agrees that aluminium has become a widely used material for façade cladding and extrusion profiles for windows and doors. Wood and other metals, such as zinc and copper, are expensive, they offer premium finishes and ageing. They require skilled labour but are highly recyclable. Because of their modern appearance and affordability, a combination of glass and aluminium for the fenestrations is visible across residential and commercial buildings.
Talking about the other materials like wood, zinc, and copper, Ar. Chaaya Sharma, Principal Designer at Design ArTEC observes that they help to create a visually striking and functionally efficient façade. These metals are prized for their durability and malleability. These materials lend a sense of timelessness and sophistication to architectural designs, while also offering excellent weather resistance and longevity. In contemporary designs, the use of ceramic tiles and natural stone is gaining traction. These materials improve the building’s aesthetic appeal and use less energy for heating and cooling. Further, ceramic tiles allow for unique patterns in the façade, curating captivating exteriors.
Principal Architect,
Banaji & Associates
Glass, uPVC, aluminium and wood have been long in the design industry, creating unique façades. However, the most used and preferred materials often depend on various factors such as project budget, desired aesthetics, environmental considerations, and local building codes, notes Ar. Jamshed Banaji, Principal Architect at Banaji & Associates. Materials like zinc and glass-reinforced concrete are preferred for structures. Zinc is a long-lasting material that improves the functionality of a building façade. Its low maintenance and energy efficiency can be tailored in various finishes to fit individual design requirements. Glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) serves as a versatile material for creative façade designs by fusing the flexibility and lightweight qualities of glass fibres with the strength and durability of concrete.
uPVC is favoured for doors and windows due to its modern, elegant appearance, ease of maintenance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, points out Ar. Komal Mittal and Ar. Ninada Kashyap, Principal Architects, Alkove-Design. Aluminium, though lightweight and recyclable, lacks insulation due to its high heat conductivity. Wood provides good insulation and aesthetics but needs regular maintenance. Glass is valued for its beauty and natural light but requires careful handling. Zinc and Copper offer durability and unique appearances but come at higher costs and require complex installation, adds Mittal.
Glass and engineered modular materials are used globally both to speed up construction time as well as respond to local climate, says Ar. Siddharth Puri, Co-Founder and Director of Architecture, W-ARD FOUR. They are usually designed to be a part of an assembly system as opposed to the monolithic construction methodology used in India. In a steel framed assembly, other than glass, most of the materials mentioned act as rain screens with adequate weather/moisture proofing behind them.
In the concrete and masonry monolithic technique that’s used in India, they are seldom more than expensive pasted cladding with – in most cases – no real impact on building performance. So other than a judicious use of glass systems, there is in most cases no real need. Therefore, we prefer cladding that is sourced from local materials or even stone or brick tiling; to summarize materials that are selected not just for aesthetics, but for performance as well as keeping in mind the entire lifecycle of the material. Over the years, we have deliberately moved away from ACP for aesthetic, safety and environmental reasons.
Redefining fenestration designs and materials
Fenestration is one of the keys to redefining the aesthetics and performance of buildings and here are some innovative fenestration designs suggested by experts.
“We used a combination of aluminium, glass & wood in a corporate building design in DLH Park. The framework, made of aluminium, was what made large glass panels possible and the wooden elements added a rustic characteristic that subtly suggested humanity and nature. The combination contributed more than just creating a good-looking building it effectively thermally performed,” explains Ar. Bhole.
A combination of fenestration designs results in custom and functional schemes for any building. “In most of our residential projects, we tend to use aluminium sections for windows. They offer durability and allow for maximum transparency with relatively thinner frames. This feature is great for maximising outdoor views and imparting a modern look to the house while mitigating heat gain by using double-glazing systems”, elucidates Ar. Dua from his experience.
On the other hand, Say Dua, in commercial projects with their flexibility in usage for multiple types of occupants, a standardised glazing system can make the building envelope highly energy efficient while providing for a cohesive external façade. “In one of our commercial building projects, we are planning to install BIPV panels along with a unitised glazing system. This will present an alternative energy source while bringing in light through the bi-facial solar panels”, Dua adds. Using specific types of glazing can reduce heat gain and increase visual transparency where required.
The latest technologies in façade and fenestration focus on enhancing energy efficiency & improving the installation processes. The introduction of pre-fabrication technology, such as unitised and semi-unitised systems, allows large glazing panels to be produced in controlled factory environments. This enhances precision, ensuring better thermal performance and easy installation at the site, observes Ar. Dua. He also points out that BIPV is becoming increasingly popular. By integrating an alternative source of energy into the façade and allowing certain natural illumination inside, this technology is transforming high-rise buildings.
“Our projects are a fusion of materials and styles, leading us to create unique fenestrations and exteriors”, says Ar. Sharma. “In a retail project in Gurgaon, we have included limestone cladding in façades and glass in fenestrations to add a contemporary touch to the design. Arch fenestrations further lend a sense of whimsy, curating unique design aesthetics. This combination enhances the visual appeal and provides occupants with natural light while mitigating solar heat gain”.
Ar. Banaji’s project, the Panchayat House in Goa, is an example of innovative fenestration designs. With a fusion of concrete and glass, the façade includes arched windows aligning with the architecture of the region. These allow natural light to flood in, while Low-E glass keeps the indoors cool, creating an optimum atmosphere. These thoughtful combinations of materials can redefine the boundaries of architectural expression and performance.
Sustainability is and should be a key driver of every aspect of design and passive strategies that are easy to introduce are almost a natural extension of the process of designing, according to Ar. Puri, the following factors play a key role in our methodology.
- Orientation of building on-site
- Size of fenestration, shading,
- Understanding the local climate
- Design Strategies for adequate daylight without excessive solar gain
- Envelope design
Careful design of the façade is one of those factors that can greatly reduce the energy consumption of a building, states Ar. Puri. According to him, important factors to consider are – access to daylight and views based on space programming; incident solar radiation on the surface; size of the fenestration (also dependent on orientation); and glazing percentage.
Materials and technologies for efficient façades
Founder, VOX India
Fronto: Fronto is an innovative façade system celebrated for its versatility and modern aesthetic. It offers a wide range of finishes and textures, providing creative freedom in architectural design. Fronto panels are both lightweight and durable, making them ideal for new constructions and renovations. Designed for outdoor use, these panels are waterproof, maintenance-free, and easy to install, ensuring years of trouble-free performance. The panels are meticulously designed and manufactured to the highest standards.
Max3: The MAX-3 system panels are produced using MAX-3 Triple Extrusion Technology, which imparts exceptional resistance to mechanical damage—a feature previously achievable only with metal siding. These panels have a low coefficient of linear expansion, granting them high resistance to extreme temperatures. Unlike metal coatings, the MAX-3 system is easy to install, does not corrode, peel, or tarnish, and requires no special maintenance.
Kerrafront: Kerrafront is a façade cladding solution that requires no maintenance after installation. Utilising innovative technology, Kerrafront is highly durable and resistant to varying weather conditions. It protects the building’s interior, prevents heat loss, and ensures proper air circulation to avoid mold and fungus growth. Its lightweight and flexible design, coupled with simple joining methods, makes installation quick and easy. Kerrafront is 100% water-resistant, and its cut edges do not require additional protection.
Choosing glass as a facade material: Key points to consider
By and large, India is a hot climate, with a reasonable variance in humidity. For us glass is a tricky material to use if you start to balance out the basic dichotomy of natural light vs heat gain. We understand that a unitized glazing is fast to construct and in certain circumstances, will save money and – this is especially true in urban environments – space. However, these capital cost gains can also have an inverse effect on operational costs. A good process will have the stakeholders in the design team breaking down and studying these factors and developing the façade and the usage of glass in an iterative manner. As per green building norms, a glazing percentage of less than 40% is ideal for the tropics/ hot arid zones, explains Ar. Puri. This is usually our baseline and through an iterative process of analysis and design, we have been able to reduce it further. It is also important to note that the glazing percentages will vary with the orientation of the building; for instance, the north face will always have a higher glazing percentage than the west or even east.
When selecting glass for energy-efficient and cost-effective façades, windows, and doors, consider using low-emissivity, solar control, or insulated glass units to improve thermal performance and reduce glare, advises Ar. Ninada Kashyap. Proper building orientation and effective shading strategies, such as overhangs or louvres, maximise natural daylight while minimising solar heat gain. Safety is crucial, requiring tempered or laminated glass for strength and protection.
Selecting glass for façades involves several critical considerations to ensure energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Firstly, thermal insulation properties take centre stage and secondly, solar control features are essential to decrease the heat gain without compromising natural light, thereby reducing the need for artificial cooling, observes Ar. Vivek Bhole. Safety and security are also vital, necessitating the use of laminated or tempered glass to withstand impacts and enhance durability. Acoustic insulation should be considered, especially in urban settings, to provide a quieter indoor environment. Finally, a thorough cost-benefit analysis is essential to balance initial investment with long-term energy savings and maintenance costs.
Glass is a widely used material, but it is tailored to specific use cases, which results in a wide variety of options. A strategic approach not only enhances the building’s performance but also contributes to a sustainable and comfortable indoor environment. According to Ar. Dua, some of the key points to consider when choosing glass for a project are – insulation & thermal performance; coatings & tints; constitutional property such as laminated, tempered etc.; cost and durability. Double or triple glazing may be chosen to create an insulation barrier suitable for reducing heat gain inside a building, thus increasing thermal efficiency.
Ar. Banaji too agrees that one must consider the impact of heat gain on the building while choosing glass for façades. Integrating high-performing glass ensures that maximum daylight is captured through the glazed surface while reducing heat infiltration. In addition to blocking ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (heat) rays, high-performance glazing has a lower U-value (rate of heat flow due to conduction), a lower SC (Shading Coefficient), and a higher VLT (Visible Light Transmission). Glass like this can save you up to 35–40% on energy costs. Grey or brown tints can be applied to glass to reduce heat and light penetration. Conversely, hues like blue and green let light through but partially block out heat.
Factors like solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and VLT should be considered for optimum energy consumption and occupant comfort, according to Ar. Chaaya Sharma. SHGC measures the amount of solar heat that penetrates through the glass. For buildings in warm climates, prioritising low-SHGC glass, often achieved through coatings or films, can significantly reduce cooling loads and energy costs. Further, VLT indicates the amount of visible light that passes through the glass. Techniques like spectrally selective coatings allow for high VLT while filtering out heat-producing infrared radiation.
What’s new in facade and fenestration installation technologies
Integrated façade systems, such as double-skins, create a substantial thermal buffer specifically for large surface areas to reduce solar gain. On the other hand, technological advancements such as BIM and 3D printing have enabled the creation of non-traditional shapes and complex geometric cladding systems, states Ar. Dua.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) plays a crucial role these days in accurate planning and coordination by minimising errors and optimising resource use, states Ar. Vivek Bhole. Smart glazing technologies, which allow for dynamic adjustment of light and heat transmission, enhance energy efficiency.
Talking about technologies, Ar. Sharma mentions Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG), which is making its way into fenestration systems. VIG technology utilises a near-vacuum space between two or more glass panes. This significantly reduces heat transfer, offering superior thermal insulation. VIG systems are ideal for buildings seeking exceptional energy performance. For certain types of façades, like rain-screen cladding systems, advancements in robotics and automation are transforming installation processes. Robots can precisely place and secure panels, ensuring consistent quality and improved safety for construction workers.
Fenestration technologies like automated cladding systems are gaining traction, states Ar. Banaji. These systems utilise robotic arms or specialised machinery to precisely install façade panels, enhancing safety and reducing reliance on manual labour. Integration of sensors and actuators into windows allows for automated control. Further, smart fenestrations automatically adjust tinting or open to optimise natural light and ventilation based on occupancy or environmental conditions. Smart fenestration contributes to occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Ar Mittal points out that advanced sealants and insulation materials further enhance thermal and acoustic performance, while durable materials like aluminium and wooden windows improve aesthetics and longevity.
Calculating energy efficiency of a building – Tools and methods
Energy efficiency is a fundamental consideration in the design process. We employ various tools and methods to ensure optimal performance, says Ar. Vivek Bhole. “Energy modelling software such as EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder allows us to simulate and analyse energy consumption patterns. Daylighting analysis tools, such as Radiance, enable us to maximise natural light while reducing energy use for artificial lighting”, he adds.
According to Ar. Dua, during the design phase, a building’s energy efficiency is determined by a combination of parametric assumptions, simulation, and modelling tools. The parameters include the building’s contextual information, regulatory requirements, and construction methodologies. Some of the key factors to consider are the building envelope, lighting, energy consumption, occupant behaviour, and sustainability. Manual guidelines, simulation tools, BIM tools, and standardised building rating systems and certifications are methods for calculating energy efficiency, adds Dua.
Ar. Chaaya Sharma talks about tools like Green Building Studio and Autodesk. Their insights can be significantly used to calculate the energy efficiency of the buildings. With cloud-based building performance service software, Autodesk’s Green Building Studio allows for high-performance design at a fraction of the typical cost and time. Further, Revit may be integrated with Autodesk Insight to provide enhanced simulation and analysis data. The goal of insight is to assist architects in meeting sustainability objectives through improved building energy and environmental performance. The procedure is outcome-driven and is communicated through real-time cause-and-effect feedback and KPIs.
Explaining the process of calculation, Ar. Puri says that the whole process starts with tools to first analyse the EPW (energy plus weather) format files of the area we are designing in. This will give us the raw climatic data along with optimal orientation, and base active and passive strategies in the form of a psychometric chart that lays out strategies along with their projected impact. After this initial phase that defines many conceptual aspects, energy efficiency calculations are an ongoing process from concept to the schematic phase. In terms of tools, we work with partners who use Rhino Grasshopper-based Ladybug tools and Honeybee to perform environmental, daylight and thermal analysis. Some of the engines within these tools are – Radiance for Daylight and Solar Radiation, Energy plus heat gains, energy consumption and Therm for thermal bridging, and condensation risk assessment.
Ar. Banaji throws light on tools like IESVE and Cove.tool are used to calculate the energy efficiency of the building. “IESVE (Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment) is a tool that analyses HVAC performance, energy consumption, solar shading, and demand for heating and cooling. A building energy analysis report complete with charts and diagrams is provided with all the information. In contrast to previous tools, Cove.tool is an intelligent platform for energy modelling and building performance that provides a range of tools required for data-driven, sustainable design. The analytical tool on the platform incorporates machine learning to help developers, engineers, and architects maximise high-performance design possibilities”, explains Ar. Banaji.
Future of automation technologies
With the pace at which the construction industry is growing every year, regulating energy consumption is more critical than ever before. The upcoming improvements are expected to result in increased efficiency, precision, and durability of our buildings.
For any building, the façade interacts with the elements and majorly determines its energy consumption patterns over its lifetime. These patterns pertain to the lighting required inside the building, thermal comfort, the maintenance cycle of the façade, and various other things. Having automated technologies will not only help us monitor many of these aspects but also actively work to reduce a building’s carbon footprint, points out Ar. Dua.
According to Ar. Dua, here are some key trends and innovations shaping this future:
- Advanced sensors and IoT integration
- Enhanced building management systems
- Monitoring via BIM tools
- Drones for visual inspection and maintenance
- Augmented reality
Ar. Vivek Bhole agrees that the incorporation of AI and machine learning will enable predictive maintenance and energy management, contributing to smarter and more sustainable building operations. Moreover, the Internet of Things (IoT) will facilitate better communication between various components of the façade and fenestration systems of the building. Similarly, smart windows equipped with sensors will communicate with HVAC systems to regulate temperature and air quality.
Ar. Chaaya Sharma loos up to technologies on the horizon like Multi-Functional Façades and Carbon Capturing Façades, which will help operate in energy-efficient designs. These include elements like water collecting, air purification, and urban farming areas. In Carbon Capture Façades, designs that aim to achieve carbon neutrality or even zero carbon emissions can benefit from the integration of technologies in façades that absorb and retain carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. AR technologies can be integrated into façades to create dynamic and interactive displays. AR could be applied to art displays, informative purposes, or user-chosen adaptive shading.
Ar. Banaji looks forward to technologies like nanotechnology, with its capacity to provide self-healing qualities. It provides greater insulation, and advanced coatings for increased durability and performance. Moreover, advances in bioengineering could result in façades that include live organisms to produce energy, purify the air, and add visual variation, like algae or responsive plant-based systems. These automation technologies represent a transformative force in the evolution of energy-efficient building envelopes, offering unprecedented levels of control, efficiency, and adaptability.
Ar. Ninada Kashyap agrees that automation technologies are reshaping energy-efficient façade and fenestration systems through sustainability, biophilic design, and smart solutions. These systems adapt dynamically to environmental changes, optimising energy use and enhancing occupant comfort. Smart glass adjusts transparency based on sunlight intensity, while automated shading systems like motorised blinds and shades respond automatically to sun position, improving energy efficiency and comfort. Integrated Building Management Systems streamline control of HVAC, lighting, and fenestration, optimising overall building performance. Moreover, robotic installation methods enhance precision and efficiency, minimising errors during installation and supporting sustainable architectural practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right selection of façade and fenestration materials plays a pivotal role in enhancing building performance and sustainability. Advanced technologies such as BIM, 3D printing, and Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG), along with automated and smart fenestration systems, are revolutionising the industry. Tools like Green Building Studio, Autodesk, IESVE, and Cove. tool are essential for optimising energy efficiency. As the construction industry evolves, embracing innovations like nanotechnology and smart glass will further improve building durability, efficiency, and occupant comfort. These advancements are crucial for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings that adapt dynamically to environmental changes.
